Chapter 14 - My Sister Apologizes to Lily
Erin asked to see Lily after three months.
I almost said no.
Ava said:
“Ask Lily.”
Correct.
Lily said:
“Aunt Erin yelled.”
“Yes.”
“Did she say sorry?”
“Not yet.”
“Then no.”
Clear.
Erin wrote letter.
Dr. Reynolds reviewed.
I read.
Then Lily.
Erin wrote:
Lily,
At the barbecue I called you a brat and blamed you when Mason fell.
There.
You and Mason bumped into each other. You did not push him on purpose.
Good.
Then:
I ran to Mason and did not help you even though you were hurt.
There.
I was scared for Mason and angry, but that did not make it okay to be cruel to you.
Then harder:
Months before, Mason told me Grandpa had hurt him with hot barbecue tongs. I did not protect him well enough afterward.
There.
I am sorry that meant Grandpa still had a chance to hurt you too.
Very good.
No:
I caused your burn.
She did not directly.
No overclaim.
Lily listened.
Then:
“She knew?”
“Yes.”
Lily’s eyes filled.
“Why?”
“Adults can make bad choices when scared.”
“Of Grandpa?”
“Partly. And other things.”
“Can I see?”
“Your choice.”
She said:
“Not now.”
At six, later:
“Yes at Grandma’s? No Grandpa.”
Fine.
Relationship returned slowly.
May you like
No forced aunt hug.
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